#WhatsApp to vanish from millions of devices starting Nov. 1

Here’s how to survive the app-ocalypse.

Upgrading your phone might seem like an unnecessary hassle; however, it could soon be essential for those wishing to maintain long-distance friendships.

Starting Nov. 1, Facebook messaging service WhatsApp will vanish from phones sporting older operating systems, which could leave thousands and potentially millions of people without access to the world’s most popular chat platform.

Although they didn’t get into specifics, the messenger cited privacy issues as the reason for the measure, Mint reported.

The policy will affect Androids running on Android 4.0.3 or lower, and Apple iPhones operating on iOS 9 or older. Impacted Android devices include smartphones from Samsung, LG, ZTE, Huawei, Sony, Alcatel and others, while iPhone fans won’t be able to access WhatsApp on the iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S. 

To avoid this dis-app-earing act, WhatsAppers should ensure that their phones have the latest OS by clicking the “Settings” menu and searching for any available updates, Business Insider India advised. If the device is on the aforementioned blacklist, on the other hand, users should back up their WhatsApp messages, buy a new smartphone and restore their chat history.

However, those who do manage to restore the messaging service should perhaps tread lightly: Last month, an extensive report by ProPublica claimed that Facebook is paying employees to keep tabs on WhatsApp messages that are supposedly private or encrypted.